The Punter: Mourinho expected to make Real kings of Europe

Jose Mourinho, fresh from his Champions League glory with Inter Milan, is expected to be ensconced as Real Madrid’s new manager by the end of this week.

And already, the firms have wasted no time in putting up a price about ‘the Special One’ making history by taking the trophy for the third time with three clubs.

William Hill go 13-8 that the trophy will be back at the Bernabeu Stadium at some time during Mourinho’s reign for whatever time that lasts.

Inter’s success last Saturday was described by some operators as the worst of the season after several substantial wagers, including one bet of £60,000, on the Italians.

Inter are 14-1 to successfully defend the trophy but with Jose not at the helm, such an outcome is unlikely.

With unlimited resources, it will be interesting to see who Mourinho attempts to add to his squad.

It will be no surprise to see him make a bid for a couple of Chelsea players, especially Didier Drogba who can be had with Paddy Power at 7-1 to be the next player to join Real.

His team mate Ashley Cole is as low as 5-2 along with Steven Gerrard while Wayne Rooney is regarded as a 14-1 chance along with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas who, however, looks to be on his way to Barcelona.

Frank Lampard has always had the admiration of Jose and he gets a quote of 11-1 along with Fernando Torres who may not be too long at Liverpool.

Madrid are 13-2 to win the Champions League next year and 33-1 to repeat Inter’s feat of landing a treble but it would be foolish to rush in for such prices at this stage.

Better to wait and see how things develop.

As for Bayern Munich, they are 25-1 to go one better at Wembley in 2011 but, while boosted by Franck Ribery staying for another five years, they know themselves they were lucky to be contesting this year’s final.

Meanwhile, Blackpool continues to rock under the excitement of having attained Premier League status.

It will be a momentous time for Ian Holloway’s side and they are sure to be on more than one roller-coaster ride throughout the season.

Staying up will be the target but doing so is another ball game. But one thing is certain — Blackpool’s future should be secured in terms of club development and as long as they keep that in mind, rather than splashing out silly money on players, they will prosper.

Blackpool are currently 10-11 to finish bottom and are 16-1 to break the lowest points tally by collecting 10 or fewer. Alternatively, they are 3-1 to win seven or more league fixtures.

The Tangerines are 9-2 to beat Arsenal once next season which is more likely than defeating Chelsea or Man United.